Johnny Nelson on Josh Kelly: “This is something he was never through and this is why he accepted it the way he did.” The talented 26-year-old’s undisputed album ended with David Avanesyan on Saturday
By Johnny Nelson
Last updated: 22/02/21 4:57 pm
0:55
Josh Kelly can recover his first professional loss, says Johnny Nelson
Josh Kelly can recover his first professional loss, says Johnny Nelson
Josh Kelly felt pressure for the first time in the case of David Avanesyan but should have a new desire to return successfully, says Johnny Nelson.
In the toughest test of his career, Kelly started well before fleeing as Avanesyan’s relentless pressure overcame the 26-year-old at the SSE Arena in Wembley on Saturday night.
Kelly trainer Adam Booth had to throw in the towel after two knocks in the sixth round and Sky Sports expert Nelson wants to see how the Olympian recovers from his first professional loss.
1:57 Avanesyan knocked Kelly down twice to stop in the sixth round at the SSE Arena
“We talked about that gut study when it’s under pressure,” Nelson said Sky Sports.
“I’m not saying Josh Kelly doesn’t have enough because he has, the baby can fight, but you know when you’re under pressure for the first time and you have to find your way out, it’s this is what is happening, this is what was unresolved.
“Now Josh has to go back and think. He has things to work on. He has things to improve.
“He’s very good at eliminating a fighter’s rhythm right away. That’s why he looks so good, that’s why he’s able to box as he does and watch. well, but it’s about what he wants. Going through that, he’ll come back again. “
0:23 Kelly has to question his desire after stopping Avanesyan, says Conor Benn
A win over Avanesyan would have led to more calls for an exciting domestic fight with Conor Benn.
The losing streak, however, has forced Kelly to reconsider his plans for the future, with Benn questioning whether his British rival could move up in weight.
But Nelson is confident he can overcome the problem.
“Just because he lost doesn’t mean he’s over for it,” Nelson said. “He can come back and learn from that. Fighters need to understand that a loss does not mean the end of the world.
3:17 Avanesyan could fight to win another world title, says promoter Eddie Hearn
“This is something he learns from him, something he learns to change. This is something he was never through and this is why he accepted it the way he did.
“He has a good team around him. This is not about his boxing ability.
“It’s about what’s in his head, what’s in his heart, what he really wants. He can come back from that.”